[AMERICANS ABROAD] American midfielder Stuart Holden described himself as "floored, devastated, gutted" by the news that he will miss six months, not six weeks, following Wednesday's surgery to remove more damaged cartilage in his knee.

He had just returned from a severe knee injury suffered in March and made his first first-team appearance for Bolton Wanderers in its win over Aston Villa in the League Cup.

“It is a big, big blow for Stuart because he has worked so hard after he sustained the injury, but obviously the most important aspect is to ensure Stuart’s well being and that’s what we are focused on,” Manager Owen Coyle said on the club’s Web site. “He went in for the procedure this afternoon and it was picked up that the cartilage was damaged and needed to be repaired, which has now happened, and we will now support Stuart as he begins his recovery.”

Earlier in the day, Holden had indicated he'd miss six weeks.

“Floored, devastated, gutted, just a few words I can think of," Holden tweeted. "I will continue to fight and I’m ready for another tough journey. Not looking 4 sympathy but rather your support as I get through another setback. I look forward to keeping you updated over the next 6 months as I beat the odds once again.”